George Halas Hall of Fame career began in Decatur
The 1920 Decatur Staleys with legendary player/coach George Halas, front row, center. The team would move to Chicago the next year and become the Bears in 1922.
George Halas is forever Papa Bear, the man who founded the Chicago Bears as the Decatur Staleys in 1920.
Company teams, particularly baseball, were common in the early 20th century, as wealthy owners sought a certain prestige for their firms. A.E. Staley Sr. was no exception, but he also had his eye on a new sport â football. Halas moved to Decatur and lived at 280 W. William St., according to the city s street directory.
George Halas Hall of Fame career began in Decatur
The 1920 Decatur Staleys with legendary player/coach George Halas, front row, center. The team would move to Chicago the next year and become the Bears in 1922.
George Halas is forever Papa Bear, the man who founded the Chicago Bears as the Decatur Staleys in 1920.
Company teams, particularly baseball, were common in the early 20th century, as wealthy owners sought a certain prestige for their firms. A.E. Staley Sr. was no exception, but he also had his eye on a new sport â football. Halas moved to Decatur and lived at 280 W. William St., according to the city s street directory.
DECATUR â During a stroll, run or ride through Fairview Park, people can quench their thirst at a little piece of history.
Dr. Stephen Huss and his childhood friend John Huff spent their youth playing in the westside park during the 1950s, often stopping at the stone water fountains for a break. âI remember having to get up there to get a drink of water,â Huff said about the functional pieces of sculpture.
As time and the elements took their toll on the fountains, they eventually withered away.
However, one has recently been rescued decades after its first use.
Huss said he remembered the fountainsâ various locations, including one near the iron bridge at Stevens Creek. âBut I thought they were all gone,â he said.